10 Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras That Deliver Gorgeous Lashes with Staying Power

Best Overall

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

$13 at Ulta $10 at Walmart $13 at CVS

Benefits: Lengthening | Shades: 2 | Ophthalmologist Tested: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

This mascara from Maybelline is hands down our number-one drugstore pick for so many reasons. The brush is slender, which helps it grip the lashes and tapered on the ends to evenly coat each one, even the outermost ones.  It only took a couple of coats to give our lashes exquisite length and definition. It wasn't super volumizing, but that wasn't a dealbreaker.

A few coats worked were all we needed and the formula was so light, that it didn't feel like we were wearing anything. It didn’t smudge at all during water tests in the lab and we saw no flaking while wearing it for hours each day. What we did see were fluttery lashes that gave us that perfect wide-eyed (in a cute way) look.

Read Our Full Review: Maybelline's Sky High Mascara Creates Dreamy, Fluttery Lashes

Best Budget

Wet n Wild Mega Length Waterproof Mascara

$4 at Amazon $4 at Target $8 at Walmart

Benefits: Lengthening | Shades: 1 | Ophthalmologist Tested: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Drugstore mascaras may already be lower in price than the average mascara, but this one from Wet n’ Wild is even less expensive while remaining a quality product. We love how it goes on smoothly and evenly, lengthens the lashes, and doesn’t smudge or flake. The formula is lightweight and easy to layer, and how easy it is to remove at the end of the day.

The applicator wand with this mascara is thin, which we found to be great for both the top and bottom lashes. It also does a great job of separating eyelashes, leaving them looking voluminous without clumping. The only thing we didn’t love was the consistency—it’s on the thinner side.

Best for False Lash Effect

L’Oréal Bambi Eye Waterproof Mascara

View on Amazon $16 at Walmart View on Lorealparisusa.com

Benefits: Volumizing | Ophthalmologist Tested: Yes | Shades: 2  | Cruelty-Free: No

For thick, full lashes that could easily be mistaken for a set of falsies, we love L’Oreal Bambi Eye Waterproof Mascara. We found the formula went on smoothly and easily built upon itself with extra applications for a more dramatic look. After a full day of wearing this mascara, we were impressed by how it held up and that it didn’t flake or smudge.

The applicator wand is a good size and shaped to easily apply mascara to the top and bottom lashes with ease. The brush does a great job of lifting and separating the lashes without leaving any clumps behind. That said, the formula is thinner than we’d expect and it’s wet enough to need a little dry time.

Best Wand

Maybelline Lash Discovery Mascara

$10 at Ulta $8 at Target $8 at Walmart

Benefits: Defining and lengthening | Ophthalmologist Tested: Yes | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: No

A mascara wand can make a huge difference, and we particularly love the small, lash-catching brush that comes with Maybelline’s Lash Discovery waterproof mascara. Its small size makes it easy to hang onto and control, especially when you’re trying to get those teeny lashes in the corners of your eyes. We also like that it applies mascara evenly and lifts and separates lashes.

As for the mascara itself, it’s a total hit. We like that the formula builds up well so you can opt for a natural or more dramatic look. We also appreciate that it doesn’t clump and that it stays in place throughout the day. It’s such a fantastic mascara, we just wish it was available in more colors.

Best Clump Free

Milani Highly Rated Waterproof Mascara

View on Milanicosmetics.com

Benefits: Lengthening and volumizing | Shades: 1 | Ophthalmologist Tested: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

We were blown away by how smoothly and evenly Milani’s Highly Rated Waterproof Mascara goes onto the lashes, leaving them feeling light while still looking great. The formula is made with jojoba complex and ProVitamin B5, which helps lashes stay nourished and hydrated.  When applying this mascara, we found that a single application was enough to cover the lashes, but that the formula is also easy to layer for a thicker look.

This mascara definitely delivers a clump-free, long-lasting look. We were really impressed by how well it separated lashes without clumping, and that it didn’t flake or rub off throughout the day. However, as much as we appreciate that this is an all-day wear formula, it does take a little more effort to fully remove it at the end of the day compared to similar waterproof mascaras.

Best Lengthening

NYX Professional Makeup Worth the Hype Volumizing Waterproof Mascara

$9 at Ulta $9 at Walmart View on Nyxcosmetics.com

Benefits: Volumizing | Shades: 1 | Ophthalmologist Tested: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We like NYX’s Worth the Hype Waterproof Mascara for eyelashes that look long and healthy. Even though it’s advertised as a volumizing formula, we found it also helps eyelashes look fluttery and glamorous. This is likely due in part to the formula’s consistency which isn’t dry and flaky or wet and runny but goes on smoothly, and layers well.

Not only was there no smudging or flaking with typical wear but it even stayed put during a sweaty workout and showering afterward (that’s some serious staying power). Yet somehow it comes off easily with makeup remover and doesn’t have to be scrubbed off. Our only complaint is that we wish the applicator wand separated the lashes a little better.

Best With Nourishing Ingredients

Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Long Lash Mineral Mascara

$14 at Ulta $14 at Target View on Pacificabeauty.com

Benefits: Lengthening | Shades: 1 | Ophthalmologist Tested: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Pacifica’s Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Long Lash Mineral Mascara won’t leave your lashes feeling dry or brittle, thanks to its formula with coconut oil, kelp extract, and vitamin B. This mascara was easy to apply, going on smoothly and evenly, and we loved how our eyelashes looked enhanced but still natural after application. The formula is also super light and dries quickly without being sticky or clumpy.

We liked the applicator wand that comes with this mascara, too. It’s easy to use (especially on the top lashes) and separates eyelashes nicely without needing to comb through over and over. Overall, we really like this waterproof mascara, but we did notice some transfer after application while it was drying, and we wish it were easier to remove.

Best for a Natural Look

Pixi by Petra Lash Booster Waterproof Mascara

$16 at Ulta $15 at Target View on Pixibeauty.com

Benefits: Volumizing and Lengthening | Shades: 2 | Ophthalmologist Tested: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you prefer a more natural look, check out Pixi Beauty’s Lash Booster Waterproof Mascara. We found a single layer of this mascara is enough to fully cover eyelashes, giving them an enhanced look that still works for every day. We really like the formula, too—it doesn’t clump or smudge, and it’s made with vitamin E to help nourish the lashes.

Another thing that really stands out about this product is the applicator wand. It’s shorter in length with a cone shape that lifts and separates lashes well. Also, since it’s shorter, we found the applicator was easier to control than longer wands. Still, this mascara has some room for improvement—we found it hard to remove and noticed some flaking during application.

Best Volumizing

Revlon So Fierce Big Bad Lash

$10 at Amazon View on Revlon.com

Benefits: Volumizing | Shades: 3 | Ophthalmologist Tested: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

For bold, voluminous, fluffy lashes, we reach for Revlon’s So Fierce! Big Bad Lash Waterproof Mascara. The thick formula goes on smooth and builds on itself, offering the option to go darker and bolder with each layer. We love that, despite the thick formula, it doesn’t feel heavy on the lashes or tug on them when it’s being removed (with a makeup remover).

Overall, we were pleased with this mascara’s performance—it especially lives up to its waterproof claims since it stayed put even when tested in a shower. However, we did notice some minor flaking and smudging on occasion. The applicator wand is also a little larger than we’d like.

Best For a Glam Look

Wet n Wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Boosting Mascara

$6 at Amazon $7 at Target View on Wetnwildbeauty.com

Benefits: Volumizing | Shades: 1 | Ophthalmologist Tested: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Just two layers of this formula will give your eyelashes a dramatic appearance (plus, it layers well if you decide to go even bigger). We found this mascara’s consistency to be the perfect middle ground—not too wet and not too dry—and love how lightweight it feels on the lashes. We also like that the formula includes ingredients to nourish eyelashes, like vegetable collagen, castor oil, and vitamin E.

This mascara wears well and keeps lashes looking voluminous throughout the day, and we didn’t notice any smudging or flaking.  Also, despite how thick it appears on the lashes, it’s surprisingly easy to remove (with an oil-based makeup remover). Finally, while the wand applies the mascara evenly, we think it would be even better if it were a little larger.